Forceps Injuries

Improper use of a forceps during delivery can cause serious injury to the mother and the newborn. If you or your baby has suffered a forceps injury, our lawyers can provide the experienced legal counsel you need.

At DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers, our Syracuse-based birth injury lawyers have helped many families affected by birth or labor complications. Our goal is to assist in providing fair compensation for you and to provide the financial resources you will need to meet the medical challenges you face.

If you or your child were injured by improper use of forceps during the delivery process, you may be entitled to compensation for these injuries.

Call 315-479-9000 to schedule a free consultation with the medical malpractice lawyers at DeFrancisco & Falgiatano.

Forceps injuries are caused when forceps are used in order to assist with the delivery of babies. While it has been a common practice that has been implemented successfully on many occasions, sometimes things may go wrong and cause damage to the baby.

Also known as an assisted vaginal delivery, a forceps delivery entails the use of a tool that looks much like tongs or large spoons. These are used in order to clasp onto the infant's head and guide it through the birth canal as the mother pushes during a contraction.

Pre-Requisites of Forceps Delivery

Due to the number of risks associated with forceps delivery, it is only done in special circumstances when it meets certain criteria. These are as follows:

The cervix is dilated and the membrane ruptured and the baby's head has descended towards the birth canal.

Labor isn't progressing regardless of efforts

The position of the baby is known. If the position of the baby and the tilt of the head are unknown, then the doctor is required to perform an ultrasound to ensure the position of the baby.

Irregular Heartbeat of the baby

Problems with the heartbeat of the baby may require an immediate delivery that can be artificially done through the use of forceps.

Parental consent for the forceps delivery has been acquired an the procedure is clearly explained

The mother has health concerns which may pose risks due to excessive pushing on contractions

The baby's head is in the wrong direction

Why it's Done

A forceps delivery is only initiated in special circumstances, i.e. if the delivery hasn't progressed adequately in the second stage of labor. If the life of the baby is in jeopardy and immediate delivery is required, then the doctor may begin forceps delivery. The infant and the mother are both at the risk of forceps injury at the time of its implementation. In case the forceps delivery isn't effective, the doctor may opt to do a caesarian section.

Risks to the Child ad Mother at the Time of Forceps Delivery

Forceps delivery is an alternative to delivery by vacuum-assisted delivery or cesarean section.

Forceps delivery may lead to multiple risks to the mother, which include:

Pain or injury to the perineum

Tears and wounds in the lower genital tract

Urinary Tract Disorders

Short or long term fecal incontinence

Anemia as a result of blood loss

Injuries to the urethra or bladder

Weakened ligaments and muscles around the pelvic organs

Injuries to the child may include:

Facial palsy

External trauma to the eyes

Deformation

Spinal Cord Injury

Nerve Damage

Intracranial hemorrhages

Bleeding in the skull

Facial injuries due to pressured contact with the forceps

Seizures

Skull fractures

While a baby may have miner marks on the face after a forceps delivery, they are probably not a serious cause for concern. Nonetheless, they should be investigated.

After the Procedure

Once the forceps delivery has been completed, the mother and baby should be carefully monitored for any signs of injury. Any incisions or tears that are observed should be immediately repaired.

The baby should also be constantly monitored for any complications that may have resulted from the use of forceps in delivery.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to the use of forceps, call our Syracuse-based birth injury lawyers at 315-479-9000 or contact us online. All consultations are free and you will never be responsible for legal fees unless we are able to recover compensation for you.

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